About this project

“This is about the brotherhood of wrestling; any wrestling fan is going to enjoy this film.” – WWE Hall of Fame inductee Greg "The Hammer" Valentine

The Documentary:

Behind the Ropes: The Greatest Fraternity in the World is about the sense of fraternity and brotherhood in the world of professional wrestling. It's not about the matches, not about the grudges, not about the glitz and glamour, but about the true-life story of the families and the friendships formed "behind the ropes."

Behind the Ropes will take you on a journey with the greatest stars of wrestling and highlight Andrew “The Reinforcer” Anderson's path to becoming East Coast Pro Wrestling (ECPW)’s current heavyweight champion.

Behind The Ropes is proud to have the support of legendary wrestling journalist Bill Apter. His career spans decades, dating back to the days when he covered the WWF in the 1970s. He was so closely identified with the Pro Wrestling Illustrated family of magazines that they were dubbed “Apter Mags,” a nickname that remains years after he left the magazines. Bill’s years of experience and his vast network of contacts in the business make him the most trusted name in wrestling journalism.

Meet the Wrestlers:

Why This Documentary Matters:

Out of all the pro-wrestling documentaries made, which one promotes the positivity and brotherhood in the sport? None, until this one! Behind the Ropes is sharing another side of pro wrestling - the strong bonds and fraternity.

"You can’t explain..it’s bigger than a fraternity. A fraternity is four, six years in college, this is 40 years, 365 days a year, it’s hard to explain. That’s why we respect and love each other." – Greg "The Hammer" Valentine

How the Funds Will Be Used:

GOAL:The $10,000 will be used for additional filming, feeding the wrestlers, and making all of our awesome rewards for our backers come to life.

STRETCH GOALS:

$20,000: If we surpass our $10,000 goal and make it to $20K, we're going to hold a wrestling convention, because, WHY NOT? Every single backer will be invited to the convention at no charge. YES, YOU HEARD RIGHT.

$45,000: This bit of information pumps us up, big time, so we think it will pump you up, too; we have a major television network interested in a pro wrestling reality tv show. If your excitement to fund the documentary extends past the $10K to $45K, not only will you be going to the wrestling convention, but we'll be taking your ideas for scripts. YES!

Closeup of Rewards:

THE TEE:

THE BEHIND THE ROPES GIRLS:

No, no...you don't get the girls, but you get their group photo autographed!

Risks and challenges

Our final filming destination is going to be in Florida - it will be a challenge to get all of the wrestlers in the same location at the same time with their busy schedules. Regardless of that minor obstacle, it's going to be achieved!

Half of the documentary is filmed, and we need your help for the rest; this Florida trip is for additional footage and interviews. Between our network of wrestling resources and our dedication, we're confident that Behind the Ropes' Florida trip will be the final ingredient before it's ready to be served to you.

Support this project

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Pledge $5 or more
About $5

BROKE. Don't have much to spend, but still want to help fund the GREATEST PRO-WRESTLING DOCUMENTARY EVER? You will receive regular updates and behind-the-scenes scoops throughout the fundraising and movie-making process, and a special thanks by mentioning you as a backer on our website and Facebook! Also, consider yourself a member of the brotherhood!

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Pledge $10 or more
About $10

DIGI DOC. You’ll be sent a link to the digital version of the full documentary on the day of the film’s release. Additionally, you will receive regular updates and behind-the-scenes scoops throughout the fundraising and movie-making process, and a special thanks by mentioning you as a backer on our website and Facebook! Grab the popcorn and soda!

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Pledge $15 or more
About $15

JUST THE TEE. You'll get that fancy t-shirt, custom-designed for the project (pictured to the left). Additionally, you will receive regular updates and behind-the-scenes scoops throughout the fundraising and movie-making process, and a special thanks by mentioning you as a backer on our website and Facebook! Whose house for Movie Night?

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Pledge $20 or more
About $20

PHYSICAL DOC. You’ll be sent a physical copy of the full documentary (which includes deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes commentary from Bill Apter), set to make it to your house on the day of the film’s release. Additionally, you will receive regular updates and behind-the-scenes scoops throughout the fundraising and movie-making process, and a special thanks by mentioning you as a backer on our website and Facebook! Whose house for Movie Night?

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Pledge $25 or more
About $25

BEHIND THE ROPES LADIES AND PHYS DOC. No, no...you don't get the girls, but you get their group photo autographed! You will also be sent a physical copy of the full documentary (which includes deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes commentary from Bill Apter), set to make it to your house on the day of the film’s release. Stop drooling!

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Pledge $30 or more
About $30

SIGNED PHYSICAL DOC. You’ll be sent a physical copy of the full documentary (which includes deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes commentary from Bill Apter) (signed by Andrew "The Reinforcer" Anderson, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine and Tito Santana), set to make it to your house on the day of the film’s release. Additionally, you will receive regular updates and behind-the-scenes scoops throughout the fundraising and movie-making process, and a special thanks by mentioning you as a backer on our website and Facebook!

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Pledge $35 or more
About $35

PHYSICAL DOC AND TEE. You’ll be sent a physical copy of the full documentary (which includes deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes commentary from Bill Apter), set to make it to your house on the day of the film’s release. You'll also get that fancy t-shirt, custom-designed for the project (pictured to the left). Additionally, you will receive regular updates and behind-the-scenes scoops throughout the fundraising and movie-making process, and a special thanks by mentioning you as a backer on our website and Facebook! "Movie night at my house! But get your own tee!"

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Pledge $50 or more
About $50

TRIPLE THREAT AND DIGI DOC. You will be sent a Limited Edition “Triple Signed” photo of Andrew “The Reinforcer” Anderson, Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, and Tito Santana, available exclusively to Kickstarter backers, AND you’ll be sent the link to download the full documentary the day of the film's release. Additionally, you will receive regular updates and behind-the-scenes scoops throughout the fundraising and movie-making process, and a special thanks by mentioning you as a backer on our website and Facebook! Ahh! Start looking for the perfect frame!

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Pledge $60 or more
About $60

TRIPLE THREAT AND PHYSICAL DOC. You will be sent a Limited Edition “Triple Signed” photo of Andrew “The Reinforcer” Anderson, Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, and Tito Santana, available exclusively to Kickstarter backers, AND you’ll be sent a physical copy of the full documentary (which includes deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes commentary from Bill Apter), set to make it to your house on the day of the film’s release. Additionally, you will receive regular updates and behind-the-scenes scoops throughout the fundraising and movie-making process, and a special thanks by mentioning you as a backer on our website and Facebook! Get that frame and dust off your DVD player!

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Pledge $65 or more
About $65

PRIVATE ADVANCE SCREENING. Want to see the full documentary before anyone else? And not only watch it with other backers, but the directors, producers and wrestlers? Well, then here's you're golden ticket. The private, advance screening will be at a movie theater in New Jersey (backer will be responsible for airfare and other travel accommodations). You'll also be in charge of "shushing" the wrestlers - they're a loud bunch!

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Pledge $75 or more
About $75

GET HAMMERED WITH "THE HAMMER." Not only will you be sent a link to the digital version of the full documentary on the day of the film’s release, but you'll get to party with Greg "The Hammer" Valentine at a bar in Philly - all drinks on us! You'll be responsible for travel and hotel. *Must be 21+ with valid ID for this reward. Time to get HAMMERED!

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Pledge $100 or more
About $100

ULTIMATE SIGNED PHYSICAL DOC. You’ll be sent a physical copy of the full documentary (which includes deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes commentary from Bill Apter), set to make it to your house on the day of the film’s release. This physical copy will be signed by: Andrew "The Reinforcer" Anderson, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, Tito Santana, Boogeyman, Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake, Demolition, The Warlord, Tony Atlas, and Jimmy "Superlfy" Snuka. Oh, man!

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Pledge $125 or more
About $125

NYC PREMIERE OF BEHIND THE ROPES. You'll be able to watch the premiere of the documentary with the director, producers and wrestlers at Tribeca Film in NYC. You’ll receive a physical copy of the full documentary (which includes deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes commentary from Bill Apter) the day of the premiere. (Airfare and hotel is not included.) Roll out the Red Carpet!

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Pledge $200 or more
About $200

BECOME IMMORTALIZED. We'll give you a special thanks in the documentary credits, so you'll be sure withstand the test of time. In addition to having your name listed in the credits, will you be sent a physical copy of the full documentary (which includes deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes commentary from Bill Apter), set to make it to your house on the day of the film’s release. You can watch your name in the marquee over and over again!

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Pledge $250 or more
About $250

BEHIND THE ROPES..LITERALLY. You will be sent a Limited Edition “Triple Signed” photo of Andrew “The Reinforcer” Anderson, Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, and Tito Santana, available exclusively to Kickstarter backers, AND you’ll be sent a physical copy of the full documentary (which includes deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes commentary from Bill Apter), set to make it to your house on the day of the film’s release, PLUS the chance to attend a live wrestling match as the guest of Andrew "The Reinforcer" Anderson. You will go backstage before the match and literally be "behind the ropes" and a part of the brotherhood of wrestling. (Airfare and hotel is not included; backer must be willing to pick from a provided list of upcoming matches in the New York/New Jersey area.) What are you waiting for? Brush up on those wrestling moves!

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Pledge $300 or more
About $300

MEET AND GREET DINNER [OPTION 1]. You’ll be sent a physical copy of the full documentary (which includes deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes commentary from Bill Apter), set to make it to your house on the day of the film’s release. In addition, you will have a MEET AND GREET DINNER with Andrew “The Reinforcer” Anderson, Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, Tito Santana and Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka at a horror film convention in Cherry Hill, NJ, Oct. 3-5, 2014. (Airfare and hotel is not included.) Best part - dinner is on us! You will also be able to take pictures and bring any items that you would like to be autographed.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $300 or more
About $300

MEET AND GREET DINNER [OPTION 2]. You’ll be sent a physical copy of the full documentary (which includes deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes commentary from Bill Apter), set to make it to your house on the day of the film’s release. In addition, you will have a MEET AND GREET DINNER with Andrew “The Reinforcer” Anderson, Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, Tito Santana and Bushwhacker Luke at a horror film convention in Parsippany, NJ, Oct. 24-26, 2014. (Airfare and hotel is not included.) Best part - dinner is on us! You will also be able to take pictures and bring any items that you would like to be autographed.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

MMM MMM! AND INTERVIEW. You’ll be sent a physical copy of the full documentary (which includes deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes commentary from Bill Apter), set to make it to your house on the day of the film’s release. In addition, you will have lunch with Andrew “The Reinforcer” Anderson, Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, and the legendary Bill Apter, as he interviews them and you for 1wrestling.com. Why read about wrestling news when you can create it? Best part - lunch is on us! Time and place of lunch and interview will be sent to backer (New Jersey region; airfare and hotel is not included). You will also be able to take pictures and bring any items that you would like to be autographed. Would you like fries with that?

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $750 or more
About $750

MMM MM! INTERVIEW AND IMDB. You’ll be sent a physical copy of the full documentary (which includes deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes commentary from Bill Apter), set to make it to your house on the day of the film’s release. In addition, you will have lunch with Andrew “The Reinforcer” Anderson, Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, and the legendary Bill Apter, as he interviews them and you for 1wrestling.com. Why read about wrestling news when you can create it? Best part - lunch is on us! Time and place of lunch and interview will be sent to backer (New Jersey region; airfare and hotel is not included). You will also be able to take pictures and bring any items that you would like to be autographed. In addition to all this, you will also be listed in the description of the Behind the Ropes IMDB page.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $850 or more
About $850

WALK-ON ROLE IN THE DOC. Ah, finally, your chance on the "big screen." You'll have a walk-on role in the documentary film. In addition, will you be sent a physical copy of the full documentary (which includes deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes commentary from Bill Apter), set to make it to your house on the day of the film’s release. (Time and location will be sent to backer; airfare and hotel is not included.) Bet you'll loop the film at your next holiday party!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

THE SIGNATURE MOVE. You’ll be sent a physical copy of the full documentary (which includes deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes commentary from Bill Apter), set to make it to your house on the day of the film’s release. In addition, you will receive the ultimate ONE-OF-A-KIND sports collectible: you will receive a Steiner Sports certified baseball, actually signed during the filming of the movie, by not only the producer and director, but by Andrew “The Reinforcer” Anderson, Tito Santana, Brandon Steiner and Derek Jeter. There will never be a chance to have a collectible like this, EVER. The ball will come with a certification from Steiner Sports, and can be seen in the documentary itself. Furthermore, you will also receive a personalized, autographed photo from Andrew, Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Boogeyman to add to your collection. Clear a wall in your house for this one!

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Pledge $1,500 or more
About $1,500

THE MAIN EVENT. You’ll be sent a physical copy of the full documentary (which includes deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes commentary from Bill Apter), set to make it to your house on the day of the film’s release. In addition, you will have the opportunity to meet with the producers, directors, Andrew "The Reinforcer" Anderson and Greg "The Hammer Valentine" in December at a private, bi-annual entertainment industry networking event in NYC, hosted by Alycia Kaback. (Airfare and hotel is not included.) This is a hot reward for backers interested in the entertainment industry, as a whole.

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Pledge $2,500 or more
About $2,500

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER. Not only will you be sent a physical copy of the full documentary (which includes deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes commentary from Bill Apter), set to make it to your house on the day of the film’s release, and personalized, autographed photos from all the wrestlers involved, but you will be listed as the ASSOCIATE PRODUCER on the Behind the Ropes IMDB page. Why, hello there, Associate Producer!

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Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER. Not only will you be sent a physical copy of the full documentary (which includes deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes commentary from Bill Apter), set to make it to your house on the day of the film’s release, but you will receive a Behind the Ropes poster signed by all the wrestlers in the documentary, AND will be listed as the EXECUTIVE PRODUCER on the Behind the Ropes IMDB page. Why, hello there, EXECUTIVE Producer!